Portable lavatory

ABSTRACT

A portable lavatory comprising a free-standing wash basin, a mirror, a soap dish, and means for removably retaining said mirror and soap dish on said wash basin.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1901 Mason......

Herbert A. Sega] c/o Samson Plastics, Inc., 28 Fellowship 800d, Cherry Hill, NJ. 08034 United States Patent [72] Inventor 680,534 1,364,809 1/1921 Robbins 1,374,778 4/1921 2,015,315 9/1935 McMackin 2,989,756 6/1961 Gaston 3,068,491 12/1962 Parakrastanko. 3,251,637 5/1966 Parsons, Jr. Primary Examiner-Henry K. Artis [21 1 Appl. No. [22] Filed Dec. 30, 1969 [45] Patented July 13, 1971 A portable lavatory comprising a free-standing and means for removably Attomey--Seidel, Gonda & Goldhammer ABSTRACT wash basin, a mirror, a soap dish,

retaining said mirror and soap dish on said wash basi ll/)II'II \IIIIIII'IIIIIIIIIIIII' [54] PORTABLE LAVATORY 8 Claims, 14 Drawing Figs. [52] 11.8. [50] Field of PORTABLE LAVATORY This invention relates to a portable lavatory. More particularly, this invention relates to a portable lavatory consisting of a wash basin, mirror and soap dishes which may be used by hospital patients, convalescents, campers, and by any other person desiring to perform various toilet functions.

There are many situations where the more conventional lavatory is not available to certain persons. For example, the conventional lavatory may be inaccessible to an invalid in the hospital or convalescent home. Such persons, however, may be perfectly capable of performing routine functions such as washing and making themselves up at their beside. The present invention is directed to a portable lavatory for that purpose.

In the past, hospitals have provided wash basins made of heavy duty plastic and stainless steel which can be readily sterilized such as by autoclaving. Aside from the fact that such wash basins are initially expensive, their utility has been even further reduced by enormous increases in labor costs in processing and handling them. Typically, the hospital or convalescent home or nursing home must retain a supply of such wash basins equal to two or three times the number actually in use. Still further, their labor and handling costs in processing these wash basins after use has become extremely burdensome.

The present invention provides a new lavatory including a wash basin, soap dishes, and mirror which costs substantially less than the conventional wash basin now in use and which can be either disposed or presented to the patient. Thus, the present invention is directed to a portable lavatory which can be presented to each patient for his exclusive use and requires no further processing by the hospital. The portable lavatory of the present invention is constructed so as to provide for a large number of patients needs and yet be relatively inexpensive when compared to the conventional wash basin now being provided.

It therefore is an object of the present invention to provide a new portable lavatory. Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable lavatory having a removable mirror and removable soap dish.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable lavatory having a removable mirror and a removable soap dish which can be divided into two halves so as to provide both a soap dish and an auxiliary dish.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. I is a top plan view of the portable lavatory.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the portable lavatory.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the lavatory illustrated in FIG. 2 taken along the line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the mirror retention means illustrated in FIG. 3 taken along the line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the soap dish retention means illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along the line 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a partial top plan view of the soap dish retention means.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the mirror, partly in section.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mirror illustrated in FIG. 7 taken along the line 7-7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the mirror illustrated in FIG. 8 taken along the line 9-9.

FIG. I0 is a top plan view of one section of the soap dish.

FIG. II is a transverse sectional view of the soap dish illustrated in FIG. I0 taken along the line ll-1l with the second auxiliary dish illustrated in phantom.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the soap dish.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view of the soap dish retention means taken along the line 13-13 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the soap dish section lug taken along the line 14-14 in FIG. 11.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. t a top plan view of a portable lavatory in accordance with the present invention designated generally as 10.

As shown, the portable lavatory 10 includes a wash basin l2, a mirror M and a soap dish consisting of two mating parts 16 and 18. When mated together, the soap dish bottom 16 and soap dish top I8 comprise a container for small articles such as hair pins, jewelry, change, or the like.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the wash basin 12 comprises a bottom wall 20 raised somewhat above a channellike gutter 22 extending about its periphery. The gutter 22 also defines the standard upon which the wash basin, and indeed the entire lavatory, rests. The bottom wall 20 is integrally joined to the sidewalls 24, 26, 28 and 30. Sidewalls 24-30 are integrally joined to each other and to a peripheral flange 32 formed adjacent their top edge. Flange 32, as shown, is somewhat wider at the sidewalls and a portion of the rear wall than it is at the top edge of the front wall. This is so as to provide a good supporting surface for retaining soap dish I6, 18 and the mirror 14 on the wash basin in the manner described below. The rearwardmost sidewall 28 is substantially vertical whereas the frontmost sidewall 24 as well as the lateral sidewalls 26 and 30 are at approximately a l5 angle with respect to the vertical. The angulation of the sidewalls 24, 26 and 30 provides a wash basin shape that can be conveniently used. I

The overall dimensions of the wash basin 12 are approximately 14 inches wide at the top and 9.65 inches wide at the bottom. The front to back dimension of the wash basin is approximately l0.5 inches at the top of the sidewalls and 7.5 inches at its base. The depth of the wash basin is approximately 4 inches.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the enlarged portion of the flange 32 adjacent the top edge of the rear wall 28 is provided with a rectangular opening 34 defined by an elongated closed channel member 36 that is integral with the flange 32 and opened at both ends thereof. The elongated channel member 36 is dimensioned so that the dimensions of its rectangular opening decrease from the end adjacent the flange 32 toward the distal end. Thus, at least the internal dimensions of the close channel member 36 are wedge-shaped in cross section. The rectangular opening 34 defined by the rectangular channel member 36 is approximately 1.25 inches long and sevensixteenths of an inch wide at the end adjacent the flange 32. The walls converge at approximately a 2 angle and the channel member is approximately 1 inch long.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the flange 32 adjacent the sidewalls 26 and 30 is provided with rectangular openings 38 and 40 which provide soap dish retention means as described below. The rectangular soap dish retention openings 38 and 40 are approximately 0.25X0.75 inches. For reasons that will be best understood by what follows, the rectangular openings 38 and 40 are each spaced at least fivesixteenths of an inch away from the sidewalls 26 and 30, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, there is shown a removable mirror 14 which may be used in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the mirror 14 includes a supporting frame 42 on which the reflectors 44 and 46 may be mounted. If desired, reflector 44 may be a plane reflecting mirror whereas reflector 46 may be a magnifying mirror. Reflectors 44 and 46 are preferably retained on the frame 42 by rims 4B and 50 which may be laid over the mirror by a hot dye. Ribs 52 spaced at 30 angles provide a reinforcing surface upon which the reflectors 44 and 46 may be supported. See FIG. 9.

The frame 42 supports the reflectors 44 and 46 centrally thereof and preferably has a pleasing semirectangular configuration as shown. The reflectors 44 and 46 are supported in the center of the frame 42 by webbing 54.

The mirror 14 is preferably provided with a hinged handle 56 which is connected to a bracket 58 that is integral with and depends from the frame 62. The handle 56 hingedly engages the bracket 58 and is held in position for pivotable movement by a pin 60. The pin 60 preferably engages both the handle $6 and the bracket 58 with sufficient frictional force so that the mirror frame 42 may be rotated and retained in any angular position with respect to the handle 56.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the handle 56 is preferably rectangular in cross section and wedge-shaped so that the rectangular dimensions at its distal end are substantially smaller than the rectangular dimensions at its hinged end. The handle 56 is approximately l.6 inches wide at its hinged end and 1 inch wide at its distal end. The handle 56 is approximately 3.6 inches long and its depth is approximately 0.380 inches at its hinged end and 0.250 inches at its distal end. As thus dimensioned the handle 56 readily fits into the channel member 36 so that the mirror is retained in an upright position as illustrated in FIG. 2. The frame 42 can be adjusted to any angle as desired by rotating the bracket 58 about the hinge.

Referring now to FIGS. 10, Ill, l2, l3 and 14, the soap dis 16 is shown having a corrugated bottom wall 62 and four sidewalls 64, 66, 68 and 70. The bottom wall 62 is corrugated so as to support a bar of soap in a manner so that the water may drain from it and not dissolve it while the soap is standing and out of use. As shown in FIGS. l and 112, a flange 72 projects outwardly from the top edge of the wall 64L Similarly, a flange 74 projects outwardly from the top edge of the wall 63. A male lug 76 projects upwardly from the flange 74. A recess 78 is formed in the flange 74. The inside dimensions of the recess 78 are substantially equal to the outside dimensions of the lug 76. The lug 76 and recess 78 are equidistant from the center line of the soap dish 16.

The flange 72 is similarly provided with an upwardly projecting lug 80 and a recess 84. Recess ti l abuts lug b ll as shown on the center line of the soap dish 16. The inside dimensions of the recess 84 are equal to the outside dimensions of the lug 80. Both lugs 76 and 80 as well as recesses 78 and 84 are substantially rectangular as shown.

The soap dish top H8 is identical to the soap dish bottom I16 described above. As thus constructed, the two soap dishes can be fitted together as illustrated in FIGS. ill, 112 and M to form an enclosure. The lugs and recesses 76, 78, 8t) and 84 provide a means for locking the dishes in opposed abutting relationship as shown.

The method by which the two halves of the soap dish l6 and 18 are locked together is illustrated in FIGS. I13 and lid. As shown, the lug 76 projecting upwardly from flange 74 is seated in the recess 78 formed in the top half lit. Similarly, the lug 76' depending downwardly from the flange 74' on top half lib is seated in the recess 78 on bottom half 16. In FIG. 13, the lug 80 is shown seated in the recess 84' and the lug fill is shown seated in the recess 84. Prime numbers have been used to designate the lugs and recesses on the top half MB. The lugs and recesses fit together with sufficient frictional force to retain the halves l6 and 118 of the soap dish in a closed condition.

The soap dish may be used either as a soap dish, or, if desired, as a container for small articles such as jewelry, hair pins, and the like. In order to facilitate its use with the wash basin, means for retaining the soap dish bottom to and soap dish top 18 thereon have been provided. As best illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, l0 and H, the retention means includes a stepshaped projection 86 extending outwardly from the flange 72. Projection 86 includes a downwardly depending member 23 and an outwardly projecting member 90 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The width of the steplike projection 86 is slightly less than the length of slot 38 in the flange 32. Moreover, the width of flange 72 is slightly greater than the distance between rectangular opening 38 and the outermost edge of flange 32. As thus constructed, either half of the soap dish can be retained on the side of the wash basin 12 as illustrated in FIG. 11. This retention is accomplished by positioning the horizontal portion 90 of the projection 86 underneath the flange 32 after inserting it through rectangular opening 28 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The

soap dish flange 72 restson the top surface of the wash basin flange 32. As thus positioned, the soap dish half is securely retained on the wash basin. Of course, both soap dish halves l6 and 18 are retained in the same manner.

As thus positioned on either side of the wash basin I12, the soap dish halves l6 and 18 can provide several functions. One half can be used to retain soap while the other half is used to retain other articles.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:

ll. A portable lavatory comprising a free-standing wash basin having a bottom wall and sidewalls, a mirror, mirror retention means for removably retaining said mirror on said Wash basin in an upright position, a soap dish, and a soap dish retention means for removably retaining said soap dish on said wash basin in a horizontal position.

2. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 1 wherein said sidewalls on said wash basin at least partially include a horizontal flange adjacent the top edge thereof, said mirror retention means including an opening in said flange, an elongated handle hingedly connected to said mirror, at least a portion of said handle adjacent the distal end thereof being dimensionally smaller than said opening so as to be capable of fitting therein.

3. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim ll wherein said sidewalls on said wash basin at least partially include a horizontal flange adjacent the top edge thereof, said soap dish retention means including at least one opening in said flange, and cooperating retention means projecting from said soap dish, said cooperating retention means being step-shaped and dimensioned to fit into said opening whereby said soap dish may be retained in a horizontal position on said wash basin.

s. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 3 wherein there is a second opening in said horizontal flange, a second soap dish, said second soap dish having a cooperating retention means projecting therefrom, said second soap dish cooperating retention means being step-shaped and dimensioned to fit into said second opening whereby said second soap dish may be retained in a horizontal position on said wash basin.

5. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 4 wherein said second soap dish defines a top for said first-mentioned soap dish, and lug and recess means on said first-mentioned soap dish and lug and recess means on said second soap dish for locking said two soap dishes together to form an enclosure.

6. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 2 wherein said elongated handle is hingedly connected to a mirror mounting frame, said mirrorrnounting frame supporting two reflecting surfaces, one of said reflecting surfaces being a magnification mirror.

7. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 2 wherein said opening in said flange is defined by an elongated, closed channel, said channel being wedge-shaped in cross section.

2. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 1 wherein said sidewalls on said wash basin at least partially include a horizontal flange adjacent the top edge thereof, said mirror retention means including an opening in said flange, an elongated handle hingedly connected to said mirror, at least a portion of said handle adjacent the distal end thereof being dimensionally smaller than said opening so as to be capable of fitting therein, said soap dish retention means including at least one opening in said flange, and cooperating retention means projecting from said soap dish, said cooperating retention means being step-shaped and dimensioned to fit into said opening whereby said soap dish may be retained in a horizontal position on said wash basin. 

1. A portable lavatory comprising a free-standing wash basin having a bottom wall and sidewalls, a mirror, mirror retention means for removably retaining said mirror on said wash basin in an upright position, a soap dish, and a soap dish retention means for removably retaining said soap dish on said wash basin in a horizontal position.
 2. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 1 wherein said sidewalls on said wash basin at least partially include a horizontal flange adjacent the top edge thereof, said mirror retention means including an opening in said flange, an elongated handle hingedly connected to said mirror, at least a portion of said handle adjacent the distal end thereof being dimensionally smaller than said opening so as to be capable of fitting therein.
 3. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 1 wherein said sidewalls on said wash basin at least partially include a horizontal flange adjacent the top edge thereof, said soap dish retention means including at least one opening in said flange, and cooperating retention means projecting from said soap dish, said cooperating retention means being step-shaped and dimensioned to fit into said opening whereby said soap dish may be retained in a horizontal position on said wash basin.
 4. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 3 wherein there is a second opening in said horizontal flange, a second soap dish, said second soap dish having a cooperating retention means projecting therefrom, said second soap dish cooperating retention means being step-shaped and dimensioned to fit into said second opening whereby said second soap dish may be retained in a horizontal position on said wash basin.
 5. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 4 wheRein said second soap dish defines a top for said first-mentioned soap dish, and lug and recess means on said first-mentioned soap dish and lug and recess means on said second soap dish for locking said two soap dishes together to form an enclosure.
 6. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 2 wherein said elongated handle is hingedly connected to a mirror mounting frame, said mirror-mounting frame supporting two reflecting surfaces, one of said reflecting surfaces being a magnification mirror.
 7. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 2 wherein said opening in said flange is defined by an elongated, closed channel, said channel being wedge-shaped in cross section.
 8. A portable lavatory in accordance with claim 1 wherein said sidewalls on said wash basin at least partially include a horizontal flange adjacent the top edge thereof, said mirror retention means including an opening in said flange, an elongated handle hingedly connected to said mirror, at least a portion of said handle adjacent the distal end thereof being dimensionally smaller than said opening so as to be capable of fitting therein, said soap dish retention means including at least one opening in said flange, and cooperating retention means projecting from said soap dish, said cooperating retention means being step-shaped and dimensioned to fit into said opening whereby said soap dish may be retained in a horizontal position on said wash basin. 